99% Invisible Don't Forget to Remember
16 snips
Jan 30, 2024 
Chris Collin, a reporter, dives into the complexities of memorializing COVID-19 victims. He examines how different groups, from nonprofits to community activists, navigate the intricate process of creating meaningful tributes. The discussion highlights personal stories, like that of Kristen Urquiza, who transforms her grief into activism. They explore the importance of authentic representation in memorial narratives and the challenges of balancing ambitious designs with logistical realities. Together, they advocate for a national COVID memorial that honors collective loss.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mark Urquiza's Story
- Kristen Urquiza's father, Mark, died from COVID-19 after attending a party, influenced by relaxed restrictions and political messaging.
- His obituary criticized politicians and invited others to a memorial, sparking a national conversation.
No Department of Memorialization
- There's no established process for creating public memorials, unlike infrastructure projects.
- Memorials often involve activism and complex discussions about design, location, and narrative, highlighting the lack of a centralized authority for memorialization.
Power of Memorials
- Memorials can shape collective memory and future actions by subtly influencing perspectives.
- Wording choices, like "our world" in 9-11 memorials, can exclude certain groups and promote specific narratives.
